I had the great privilege of working with Don closely beginning in 1985 after the large layoff and plant shutdown at the Helm facility.  We continued to work together until his retirement around 2003 or 2004 or there about.  He was an extraordinary man to say the least.  Don had and exhibited outstanding work ethics.  He took a lot of pride in the work that he did and over saw in his daily schedule.  He always arrived to work early to get things organized and to find out what things occurred during the night that needed attention that day.  During the day he would order parts that were not in stock or to replace low inventory items or to get the parts needed to complete the days work.  At the end of the day, he stayed to plan out the maintenance activity for the following or upcoming days and again writing purchase orders for materials.  Some times after the normal work day had ended an hour or more before, he would come by and say lets go home! Many nights, he would be the last to leave.  It was always amazing to me that he generally always knew how to fit or repair a piece of equipment that was broken.  Many times he would come by my office and say lets go look at this item, and I would get my hard hat and follow him out into the plant so he could show me what he wanted me to see.  I really appreciated those opportunities and found them very informative. I think he found and saw a little humor in my uneasiness with heights during either a manlift elevation or a crane basket trip-white knuckle response on my part as I gripped tightly the basket handrail.  I was always invited to those trips and never instigated the idea myself.

If the nitric plant went down, he generally stayed with it until the repairs were completed and the start up was underway.  We spent many an evenings and late nights working to get the nitric plant back up.  I know he received many phone calls at all hours of the evening and nights including the weekends informing him of a leak or breakdown of some piece of equipment.  Those calls continued to be answered and responded to all the time.  If he was like me, sometimes you sort of dreaded answering the call cause you knew it meant there was a problem out at the plant.  

Don was a paper and pencil type of guy.  He always wrote things out on a note pad and did his figuring using those media.  Even long after we had had the personal pc's in our offices, he still continued to use the paper and pencil to do most of his figuring.  At the yearly budget planning time, I tried to do my portion on the computer using a spreadsheet and some formulas that I felt were appropriate for adjusting labor costs and when I would ask for his maintenance numbers, he had them all worked out on paper every time. 

We ate lunch often in either his or mine office and talk would center around our business or on families. 

Don took a real interest in the people who worked under him and with him.  He was very well respected by all the plant employees.  He had my respect.  He always tried to keep and promote what he believed was for the best and better interest of the plant to maintain its viability with the company.   

Don was truly a remarkable and great person to have known and to have worked with.  We had good times and stressful times.  Stress was no stranger to him but he continued to find the strength and means to deal with it.  Don Wood was my  work partner and my friend.

I met Don very late in his life when he began using the services of the fitness gym where I go.  He was new at the gym and about my age so I introduced myself.  Since we both had the first name of "Don," we had no problem remembering each others names and would often hail one another if we were first to see the other person.  Often we shared memories and experiences in between  exercise sets.  Don was a hard worker at the gym and an inspiration to me and others!  It was good knowing him!

Sandra and I have been life long friends. I had the privilege of being a member of their wedding party. Though out the years we have shared many of life's fun moments and events. Don and Sandra have been great friends. He will truly be missed, but always remembered by us. I loved his big heartfelt laugh. 
With our sympathy for Sandra, Dean, Diane and all of the family, 
The Beamers, Ron and Joyce

Remembering you in this time of great sorrow.     Regards,   Audrey  Nichols

Don was my neighbor. He was a good man and always there to lend a hand. He will be missed.

Dean, Our deepest sympathy for your loss.  Please let us know if we can help in any way.

Dean:

Our deepest sympathy for your loss.  If you or your Mom need anything at all, just call.  Stay strong.

Regards,
John & Celestine Miller

I am so sorry Dean.  I hope that the end of his suffering provides a measure of solace.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dean, I'm so sorry to hear of you dear father's passing. He is in a far better place now, without the pain of disease. I pray for comfort for you and your family.

Dean Straw

OBITUARY

Donald Earl Wood

January 13, 1939 – October 29, 2015

Fresno Memorial Gardens

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